What to buy (and skip) in May

In this photo illustration a woman uses a credit card to buy something online on August 11, 2014 in Bristol, United Kingdom.

Matt Cardy

Copyright Getty Images

While you’re stopping to smell the flowers this May, you might want to admire some sweet sales, too.

Here’s everything you should buy (and skip) during the month of May.

Buy: Furniture

We recommended holding off on major household purchases until May. That’s because Memorial Day is a great time to buy indoor furniture, patio furniture and even mattresses at discounted prices.

Last year, J.C. Penney discounted select furniture styles by up to 50%, while Crate & Barrel offered a promo code good for 15% off select items.

This year, Memorial Day is on May 30, but sales often begin at least a week earlier. In fact, some retailers are already gearing up. For instance, Overstock is inviting shoppers to register their email addresses so they’ll be notified about Memorial Day sales.

Remember that some prices are automatically reduced — as was the case at J.C. Penney in 2015 — but other sales require consumers to input a coupon code at checkout.

Skip: Home electronics

We suggest making electronics purchases in November, when prices on laptops, tablets, gaming consoles and other electronics are usually at their lowest, thanks to Black Friday events. Last year, a handful of major stores sold video game console bundles for just $299.

Buy: Small kitchen appliances

While you’re outfitting your home with a new sofa, chair or table at Memorial Day sales, check out the coffee makers, blenders and other small kitchen appliances, too.

Look for discounts at department stores, such as Macy’s, Kohl’s, J.C. Penney and Kmart, as well as at home and kitchen specialty stores.

Last year, Macy’s offered up to 20% off select kitchen items, and Williams-Sonoma handed out savings of up to 60%. We also saw plenty of free shipping offers for orders above a certain threshold.

Skip: iPhones

Apple recently released its 4-inch iPhone SE. This announcement might have you itching for an upgrade, but hold off for a few more months.

Rumors suggest that the tech company will be unveiling a brand new iPhone 7 at its annual keynote event in September. If that pans out, prices on previous iPhone models at Apple and third-party retailers are likely to drop.

See how September plays out before you spend hundreds on a new cell phone and cell phone plan.

Bonus: ‘Star Wars’ Day

May 4 is “Star Wars” Day, and you’ll be feeling the force when you see the “Star Wars”-themed deals and discounts that come on this day each year. Whether you’re a supporter of Luke Skywalker or a fan of Darth Vader, you’ll see sales on merchandise featuring your favorite character.

Last year, we spotted price cuts on apparel inspired by the movie series, video games and more. If prior years are any indication, we expect savings at outlets including Amazon and the Disney Store.